EastEnders‘ Nigel and Julie Bates return to Walford next week and bring some unexpected mayhem when they turn up with their trio of pet chickens in tow.

With Nigel making it clear that he wants to stay in Albert Square as his dementia worsens, Phil suggested that Julie move in with them to remain close to her husband.

Julie was overjoyed by Phil’s offer and said that she would return to Scotland to collect their belongings before she properly moves down south.

Now they are back with three unannounced additions – and as the whole brood moves into Phil’s house, it’s not long before Phil confronts Julie for disrupting Nigel’s routine.

 “The chickens drive Phil clucking mad,” says our spy. “They’re a noisy bunch of birds, and they keep the whole household awake all night, which makes Phil even more irritated.

“Julie has upended the dynamic in the house, and Phil doesn’t think big changes will do his poorly best mate any good.”

With Phil in a flap, he and Julie accompany Nigel to an assessment. But their arguing continues, which makes Nigel stressed as he’s taking an important test.

The situation escalates as Julie and Phil row over their differing opinions on Nigel’s care plan. As they reach boiling point, Phil lashes out and slams Julie with some harsh truths.

“Neither Phil nor Julie can agree who’s higher in the pecking order, so he resorts to anger in a hard-to-hear outburst that leaves Julie devastated,” our source explains.

“She demands he tell her everything about Nigel’s time in Walford – as far as Phil’s concerned, he rules the roost and shouldn’t have to be on the same page as her.”

Later, confused Nigel accidentally leaves the chicken coop open, resulting in Julie’s prize cockerel quite literally crossing the road and escaping.

As the family search for the bold bird, can Phil and Julie make amends, or will they continue to ruffle each other’s feathers?